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A LESSER-known Greek holiday spot is home to quaint towns, amazing waterfalls and some of the calmest seas in the world.

When people think of holiday hotspots in Greece, places like Santorini, Mykonos and Crete spring to mind.

Lefkada has been described as one of the most underrated Greek islands
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Lefkada has been described as one of the most underrated Greek islandsCredit: Getty
It has beaches to suit everyone and some of the calmest seas in the world
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It has beaches to suit everyone and some of the calmest seas in the worldCredit: Getty
The Nydri waterfall is a small walk away from the harbour
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The Nydri waterfall is a small walk away from the harbourCredit: Getty

However, Lefkada in the Ionian Sea has gained the nickname of the Greek Caribbean.

The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway, meaning it doesn't require an extra flight or ferry to access.

It's one of the most underrated Greek islands, according to , who also say it's home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches.

In fact, it has so many stunning beaches that it's possible to find "a new favourite every day".

No matter what your preference, be it for sand or pebbles, seclusion or convenience, there are beaches to suit all tastes.

wrote: "Ready to dive into paradise? This is where turquoise meets azure against a backdrop of white sand, white cliffs or smooth white pebbles.

"Vast exotic beaches, bays, cliffs that plunge into the sea and a forest of pine trees that tumble intoxicatingly towards the coast.

"And what a coast! Kathisma, Egremni, Milos, Pefkoulia, Myli, Ammoglossa ... beaches that trip off the tongue. And the island’s number one star,  Porto Katsiki. Every swim here seems unforgettable."

Porto Katsiki's name literally means Goat Port, because it was said that only goats could reach the bay at one stage.

However, the long stretch of bay is now arguably the most popular beach on Lefkada and is easily accessed, with parking nearby and even places to get food and drink.

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There are places on the island where the water is almost guaranteed to be perfectly still too.

Lefkos beach was included in a list of beaches with the calmest waters in the world.

It was among the top 10 European beaches on the list, among others in Portugal, Spain and elsewhere in Greece.

After a day at the seaside, most people return to the village of Nidri, the most popular tourist resort on the island.

The World's 50 Best Beaches

The World's Best Beaches consulted more than 750 judges including travel journalists, influencers, and beach ambassadors to rank the beaches.

  1. Lucky Bay, Australia
  2. Source D'Argent, Seychelles
  3. Hidden, Philippines
  4. Whitehaven, Australia
  5. One Foot, Cook Islands
  6. Trunk, US Virgin Islands
  7. Honopu, Hawaii
  8. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
  9. Navagio Beach, Greece
  10. Balandra, Mexico
  11. Cala Goloritze, Italy
  12. Pipe Creek, Bahamas
  13. Pink, Indonesia
  14. Grace, Turks & Caicos
  15. Gardner, Ecuador
  16. Mcway, California
  17. Turquoise, Australia
  18. Le Morne, Mauritius
  19. Sancho, Brazil
  20. Seven Mile, Cayman Islands
  21. Lanikai, Hawaii
  22. Maya, Thailand
  23. Moro, Spain
  24. Kelingking, Indonesia
  25. Meads, Anguilla
  26. Flamenco, Puerto Rico
  27. Arena, Dominican Republic
  28. Little Hellfire, Australia
  29. Lazio, Seychelles
  30. Vaeroy, Norway
  31. Horseshoe, Bermuda
  32. Myrtos, Greece
  33. Hidden, Mexico
  34. Grand Anse, Grenada
  35. Xpu Ha, Mexico
  36. San Josef, Canada
  37. Matira, French Polynesia
  38. Capriccioli, Italy
  39. Pasjaca, Croatia
  40. Boulders, South Africa
  41. Salines, Martinique
  42. Champagne, Vanuatu
  43. Marinha, Portugal
  44. Balos, Greece
  45. Achmelvich, Scotland
  46. Kaputas, Turkey
  47. Radhangar, India
  48. Varadero, Cuba
  49. Piha, New Zealand
  50. Pink Sand, Bahamas 

It is situated around a natural bay, home to a harbour from where boat trips can be booked.

It also has plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes from where tourists can enjoy views out to sea with a drink.

It is surrounded by a vast green area with trees and vegetation, increasing the charm of the area.

A short walk through the olive groves and trees from the coast leads to Nydri waterfalls, an impressive single drop falls that plunges into a pool that's perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun.

At the foot of the trail leading up to the falls is a small bar serving snacks and cocktails to people after their short trek.

With all this on offer, it's no surprise that Lefkada has been tipped for big things by local travel experts.

Greek travel site said of the island: "It is full of amazing beaches with turquoise waters, monasteries, museums, and seafront or mountainous villages with a unique charm.

"Thanks to its exotic natural landscape and scenic beaches, Lefkada is also known as the Caribbean of Greece."

Getting to Lefkada is simple enough with direct flights linking several UK airports to nearby Preveza.

A room for two for the night costs around £33.

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Meanwhile, this Greek island has been named the best value holiday destination.

And this up and coming island has a "miracle giving" attraction.

A small plunge pool can be reached at the end of a small trail
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A small plunge pool can be reached at the end of a small trailCredit: Getty
Porto Katsiki beach is now one of the most popular on the island
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Porto Katsiki beach is now one of the most popular on the islandCredit: Getty
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